EDITORIAL
Jonathan’s Spell Must be Broken
A. M. Bashir Shuwa
January 21, 2012
Nigeria is
afflicted by a spell that is causing the loss of many lives as a result of the
terrorism of those who lie in ambush against gullible citizens. It seems there
is something amongst top political leadership which seeks to distort our minds
and have no interest in truth and justice. The mischief and folly planted by
those behind men under a spell, who go to bed with their boots on, raises all
kinds of immediate and urgent practical and deep concerns about the Jonathan
leadership.
Full
Article
Subjective Reporting Meant to Incite
Janurary 7, 2012
International news reports about the Nigerian
situation is as usual very one sided and subjective. While it is now very normal for the
media to tow the line drawn by the world’s leading developed countries in a mass
image destruction campaign against Muslims across the world, the imbalance in
the Nigerian situation is beyond proportions. Since Christmas, all international
news sources continue to carry hourly news about the Christmas bombing at
Madalla. Did they do the same when
the shoe was on the other foot, in an equally sensitive event, yet more heinous?
No.
Full
Article
Waste, Greed and a Dose of Indiscipline
November 26, 2011
The Governor of the Central
Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido recently revealed that 71,000 Nigerians
studying in Ghana spends N155 billion annually.
That is just one nation, not even among the top five most frequented
nations for higher education by Nigerians.
That amount spent in Ghana alone he lamented, is more
than the N121 billion the Nigerian Government spend on all of the nation’s
federal universities. There is no doubt whatsoever that had similar statistics
been released on what Nigerians spend on medical care abroad, that would have
equated or probably beat the educational figure.
Full
Article
NASS’s Red Flag [to Continuous Resource Rape]
The utterance reported to have
come from the Senate President should be a cause for concern for every observant
Nigerian
who wishes to do away with politics of self-enrichment as against genuine all
inclusive development for the benefit of every citizen of the country. It appears from what Senator David Mark
was reported to have uttered that instead of mending its way forward, NASS has
resolved to continue on its old path of overpaying itself to the detriment of
the country’s deteriorating institutions..Full
Article
Resolving the Boko Haram Issue
Hadiza Wada, DBA…June 18, 2011
When
authorities decide to take on any faceless group bound by some deep convictions,
in lieu of two-way negotiative strategy that resolves the issue, it ends up
being a drawn out war with no end in sight.
It usually ends up in no win for both, regardless of who has might,
power, and resources. Very soon the
main reason behind the crisis gets lost, and all the headlines flash around for
people to read are about casualties, and more casualties. As time moves on, both sides play
with people’s sentiments winning a section of the citizens to their side, and
before long you get a civil strife, civil war, or rebel and government kind
warfare.
Full
Article
Taking a Break to Please Allah
...May 21, 2001
A humble servant, following in the footsteps of Great
Prophets and the example set by their spouses took a break to undergo the lesser
Pilgrimage [Umra]. And for that reason
you did not hear from her, nor seen any update on the Optimist Site. If anyone needs to take a break, the most secure
one you may take is to please the most powerful and mighty of all entities, the
Creator Lord.
Full
Article
Fiscal Responsibility A Must ...April 16, 2011
The issue of the disproportionate ratio of recurrent and
overhead expenditure that has been steadily growing for years desperately needed
someone to speak up for its turnaround. And who better do that but someone with
the facts to back up that trend.
Remember what
the Danjuma Presidential Advisory Committee came back with after its
investigation and analysis; it tabled the statistics about the alarming rate of
disproportionate expenditure as “from 39:61 percent in 2000AD to 60:40% in 2010
and a projected further deterioration to 71:29% this year.” That means that while it grew just
21% in ten years (2000-2010) we witnessed a whopping 11% growth of such
expenditure within just one year of President Jonathan.
Full
Article
Democracy or Democraze (Crazy demo) …March 5, 2011
Campaigns by all major
political parties in Nigeria are in high gear, but it has become very clear that
the playing field is not level. A lot has transpired that should call
attention to serious issues of manipulations, as well as constitutional
violations since the primaries, and still obtain today. Full Article
Collective Responsibility for Saving
Nigeria Jan 29, 2011
The opposition
parties in Nigeria appear to have more credible candidates that have the
capacity to save the nation from its woes, but their chances of emerging and
making any credible showing through the political process is very slim. There is no doubt that Nuhu Ribadu,
the Presidential Candidate for Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, and Muhammadu
Buhari the Presidential candidate for Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, have
what it takes including the determination to do a great job for the country. They have both demonstrated through
our experience of their works, remarkable abilities.
Full Article
The Muted Majority: Tyranny of a Party
Jan. 15, 2011
The outcome of the primaries in Nigeria speaks tons on the
derailment of democratic politics in Nigeria.
The Hausa proverb Maitan su ya fito fili (they have
displayed their witchcraft under the spotlight) fits here. When one manipulates
and plans wrong in the dark of night not many may smell the plot, but as it
comes to pass while it is being put in action, there is no more guessing and
imagination. Our Southern brothers
trumpeting ethnic dichotomies through a subjective press, and religious
differences most recently since 1999, have decided that an honest alliance and
handshake across the isle is no more, and the question of honoring ones word,
and remaining within the binds of common law and policy has no meaning.
Full Article
Giving Credit Where Due ...
December 24,
2010
It is
imperative that we give credit where credit is due, and in the timeliest manner
too, for most renowned intellectuals have expressed agreement with the adage
“Justice delayed in justice denied.”
Timely justice or praise is necessary to help support and motivate righteous
actions (amala salihan) by members of
the community and most especially the leaders, for their action affects more
people. We must praise the courageous
action displayed first by Retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and those who followed
suit in challenging the violations of a sensitive party policy by a sitting
President and in the process have laid the foundation of bringing back the honor
of their party, their people, and the nation in general...
Full Article
Keeping an Eye on the Money
...October 31, 2010
It is becoming increasingly clear that the Jonathan Administration in Nigeria is
bent on exhausting the national treasury, and indebting every Nigerian living
and yet unborn in what may seem to be blatant blackmail. A blackmail to either allow it to proceed
unhindered as the next administration, regardless of the will of the electorate,
or else it will make sure it ran the country into the ditch. Recently, we woke up to headlines saying
the National Assembly has turned down a request for another one billion dollar
loan that the Jonathan Administration is seeking approval for.
Full Article
Former President IBB Declares
“…to the betterment of our country, the
advancement of humanity and greater glory of the almighty, I, Ibrahim B.
Babangida, a citizen of Nigeria, a servant of our people and a loyal member of
the PDP, hereby formally declare my candidacy for the office of the President of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 2011 election for only one term of four
years. So help me God.”
(September 15, 2010)
With these words, Former Nigerian President and Military leader Ibrahim
Babangida (popularly known by the acronym IBB) formerly declared his candidacy
for the office of the President of Nigeria under the banner of the ruling party
PDP. It is indeed a very bold move, for the retired General should be well
aware of the country’s situation having ruled for eight years previously, and
has since then remained within the country for almost two decades watching every
move behind the scene.
Full
Article
Fasting as a Great
Teacher
...August 28, 2010
Fasting for religious reasons by any individual
regardless of religious identity or differences has a lot of benefits, otherwise
people across religions, would not engage in it. It teaches numerous lessons
for living people, while adding to practical benefits even beyond the religious
realms. To many Nigerians however, it has lost its meaning. That is why many
people dread its arrival instead of welcoming it. So be patient while we
briefly touch on some of its benefits.
Full
Article
African Governments at Fifty
...July 24, 2010
For most African nations, their journey of self-government or independence
started some fifty years ago in the year 1960. This means they have
reached the half century mark this year 2010. The time has come,
therefore, for reflection as to whether the fifty year journey has amounted to
significant gains for their nations. In short it’s a time when reports
cards are issued, so one may find out whether his grade are in the high level,
mediocre, barely obtained a passing grade or a failing grade.
Full
Article
Public Service Vs
Public Looting ...July 10, 2010
We thought we have already rested the issue of immense corruption in public
service, whether governmental Ministries, Legislatures, the Executive offices,
Federal, State Local, and all others. For years, since about mid eighties
upwards, corruption has taken roots. It is only getting worse by the year,
until today and of all times, the civilian administration the country has craved
for after years of military; public service has become public looting.
Full
Article
Press Women of Courage
...June 19, 2010
Helen Thomas, a veteran reporter who has been on the White House Press Corp for
many years resigned June 7, 2010, after making a remark about Israel. Her
remarks followed the news of an Israeli raid on a flotilla in international
waters. Because as a woman reporter she left an indelible mark in historic
circles, we decide to share her story.
Reading from the
video clip of the remarks that forced her into retirement, which was flashed on
the screen several times when the story unfolded, you may notice that it may
have been an unauthorized recording of a personal remark to someone she knew and
probably trusted. It appears the individual might have hidden those button
cameras or similar concealed devices. But that was not the issue.
Full
Article
Our Opinion of Mr. Goodluck?
...June 12, 2010
This publication has avoided taking any position on
Mr. Goodluck Jonathan since his acting status was passed by the legislature,
down to the passing of President Umaru Musa Yar’adua in May. This we did
for professional reasons. We do not want to pass a judgment on someone for
whom we have little data. To this day not much has happened to pass a credible
judgment. From the
onset, trying to
research his data did not turn up much to make any strong opinion. We
discovered that by sheer luck or otherwise as a Deputy, he had twice taken over
from his masters. First occasion was at Bayelsa his home state, where he came to
limelight as the Deputy Governor but suddenly became the Governor after his Boss
Diepreye
Alamieyeseigha was impeached by the Bayelsa State Assembly following his
indictment by the British for money laundering charges. Full Article
PDP and Rotational Presidency
...May 8,
2010
Any party that does not respect
its own ideology, policy, and common agreements - where its
major stake holders do not feel any need for accountability
to what they have already propagated - is not one that people should
respect, let alone cast their votes for. Though people have come to distrust
politicians, still some of their actions that one sees these days make
people at the very least disgusted.
Some key players within the
ruling party in Nigeria have demonstrated that they only believe something
when it serves them individually, and not common goals that ensures fair
play, integrity, and respect for public interests. And they still go along
parading themselves as politicians. I hope Nigerians have been awakened by
recent developments surrounding rotational presidency and what is unfolding
today.
Full
Article
The Shape
of Things to Come ...April
24, 2010
While this
publication does not choose and/or endorse any political party, or group in
particular, we do have and continue to advocate for a strong opposition
party in Nigeria. This we do believing that it will provide a check to
abuse of power primarily. It could also provide an alternative platform for
many meaningful goals including saving the country from derailed agendas,
neglect of the electorate and the nation, and neglect of the unrelenting
pursuit for meaningful objectives etc.
There are many challenges that the nation face. But we strongly believe
that the most important ones have to be addressed immediately, and we need
some empowered groups to push for them.
Full Article.
The
Nuclear Security Summit ...April
17, 2010
The Obama
administration’s just concluded Summit this week in Washington appears to be
a further avenue demonstrating to the world his determination to portray a
different foreign policy approach away from his predecessor’s Republican
Administration that drew a lot of fire from many
nations of the world including U S European allies. A position that may have
cost teh the country a lot politically,
diplomatically and also economically, and may have ushered in the Obama
administration that promised change.
It
seems
that the Obama Administration had found its foothold and is forging ahead
with its articulated agenda, as mid term election approaches.
Full Article
Rimi, a
Giant of a Man ...April 10,
2010
While returning to God is
the ultimate destination, for humans, life is still a journey. The highway upon which we
walk being time, and the distractions on our paths, being the events and
people we meet. Everyone’s hope is that when he does meet his creator, he
receives a good report card. That report card will reflect his Creator’s
judgment as to (a) how one makes use of the time he got, (b) how he met the
challenges he faced, and (c) how he interacted with the people he met.
Nigerians, despite a population estimated at about 140 million have only a
handful of real torch bearers at national level, at any given time. Muhammad
Abubakar Rimi was one of them. His voyage on this earth was not
that easy compared to many who chose to remain on the sidelines, when the
going gets tough.
Full Article
Historic Precursor to Nigerian Ordeal
...March
27, 2010
Much of the issue around
ailing ‘Yar Adua should not have caused the uproar and hot exchange that
heated up the polity unnecessarily. As a democratic government, as long as
an elected President has not completed his term, that administration
continues to bear his name and title. Regardless of who holds the reigns at
present, the Administration will continue to bear the name Yar’Adua/Jonathan
Administration. That is standard practice everywhere.
To learn from lessons such
as this, I call to mind a similar occurrence during the Presidency of
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32 President of the United States of
America. Though during his Presidency, the nation was going through one of
its most difficult times, World War II and The Great Depression, he
contracted polio and was confined to a wheelchair. The country neither
grounded to a halt, nor got itself wrapped up by the effect of the illness
on the President.
Full Article
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